# WaveOne Gold®

> Single File Reciprocation

- **Manufacturer:** Dentsply Sirona
- **Motion:** Reciprocating
- **Alloy:** NiTi with proprietary Gold heat treatment
- **Key feature:** Single-file reciprocating system — one glider + one shaping file for most cases, with dedicated WaveOne/WaveOne Gold motor settings

## Specifications

| File | Tip (mm) | Taper | Length | Cross-section | Motion | Speed (rpm) | Torque | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Glider | 0.15 | 2%v | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Parallelogram | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | glide path |
| Small | 0.20 | 7%v | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Parallelogram | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | shaping |
| Primary | 0.25 | 7%v | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Parallelogram | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | shaping |
| Medium | 0.35 | 6%v | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Parallelogram | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | shaping |
| Large | 0.45 | 5%v | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Parallelogram | Reciprocating | Reciprocating | — | shaping |

## Protocol

### Glide Path

1. **Scout Canal** — In presence of a viscous chelator (e.g., ProLube Root Canal Conditioner or Glyde File Prep), scout the canal with hand files to at least ISO 010. Determine working length using apex locator with radiographs, irrigate and confirm patency.
   - Pre-curve file for curved canals
   - Verify smooth, reproducible glide path to at least loose #10
   - Use lubricants such as NaOCl, EDTA, ProLube, or Glyde (per IFU)
2. **Expand Glide Path** — Expand and secure this glide path to at least ISO 015 using either a manual file or dedicated mechanical glide path file such as PathFile, ProGlider, or the dedicated WaveOne Gold Glider file (per IFU). _(File: WaveOne Gold Glider (15/.02v) · WaveOne ALL mode · Reciprocating)_
   - Use gentle inward pecking motion with short amplitude strokes
   - Let file passively progress through secured region of canal
   - Irrigate expanded glide path, recapitulate, irrigate again, then reconfirm WL (per IFU)

### Shaping

1. **ALWAYS Start with PRIMARY** — Always initiate shaping with PRIMARY file (25/.07) per DFU. Do not pre-select Small/Medium/Large — PRIMARY is the mandatory starting file for all cases. Use gentle inward pressure, let file passively progress. _(File: PRIMARY (25/.07) · WaveOne ALL mode · Reciprocating)_
   - After shaping 2-3mm, remove and clean file
   - Irrigate, recapitulate with #10, re-irrigate
   - Use brushing motion on outstroke for irregular cross-sections
   - ⚠ Never use continuous rotation
   - ⚠ Do not force file apically
2. **Pre-enlarge Coronal 2/3** — Continue with PRIMARY file in 2-3 passes to pre-enlarge coronal two-thirds of canal. _(File: PRIMARY (25/.07) · WaveOne ALL mode)_
   - In restrictive canals, use #10 K-file with chelator to negotiate to terminus
   - Work file until completely loose at length
   - Establish WL, confirm patency, verify glide path
3. **Carry to Working Length** — Carry PRIMARY file to full working length in one or more passes. Upon reaching length, remove file to avoid over-enlarging foramen. _(File: PRIMARY (25/.07) · WaveOne ALL mode)_
   - Inspect apical flutes - if loaded with dentinal debris, shape is finished
   - If PRIMARY doesn't progress, use SMALL file first then return to PRIMARY
4. **Upsize if Needed** — If PRIMARY is loose at WL with no dentinal debris in apical flutes, continue with MEDIUM (35/.06) and/or LARGE (45/.05) until apical flutes are loaded. _(File: MEDIUM / LARGE · WaveOne ALL mode)_
   - MEDIUM (35/.06) for medium canals
   - LARGE (45/.05) for wide canals

### Finishing

1. **Verify Preparation** — Check apical preparation with corresponding hand file. Verify tug-back with master cone.
   - Small = #20 hand file
   - Primary = #25 hand file
   - Medium = #35 hand file
   - Large = #45 hand file
2. **3D Disinfection** — Proceed with 3D disinfection using your standard irrigation protocol (per IFU). SmartLite Pro EndoActivator may be used for irrigant activation (per solution guide).
   - Standard irrigation protocol
   - SmartLite Pro EndoActivator recommended for activation (per solution guide)
   - Verify final preparation is clean and patent before obturation

## Clinical Tips

- Initiate shaping with PRIMARY file (025/.07) per DFU — this is the default starting point
- One glider + one shaping file for most cases — short 11mm handle for improved posterior accessibility (per product page)
- Reciprocating motion works in harmony with the proprietary heat treatment for improved cyclic fatigue resistance vs conventional NiTi (manufacturer bench data, not independent clinical validation)
- Single-file single-use system reduces cross-contamination risk — pre-sterilized, no reprocessing needed
- Files may appear slightly curved due to proprietary processing — this is not a defect; do not need to straighten before use (per DFU/IFU)
- Use brushing motion on outstroke to eliminate coronal interferences or enhance shaping in irregular cross-sections (per DFU)
- For extremely curved canals: use file for single canal only, discard after, consider hand files (per 2025 IFU)
- Inspect apical flutes after PRIMARY reaches WL: if loaded with dentin debris, shape is finished (per DFU)
- Compatible with WaveOne Gold Conform Fit GP, GuttaCore for WaveOne Gold, WaveOne Gold Absorbent Points, and size verifiers
- SmartLite Pro EndoActivator recommended for irrigant activation (per solution guide)
- Kinematics: the unequal angles produce a net 120° reverse movement per cycle — one full rotation every three cycles; the CCW engagement stays below the file's elastic limit, mitigating torsional (taper-lock) failure while auguring debris coronally (per Scientific Manual 2023)
- Manufacturer reports the Primary file is 50% more resistant to cyclic fatigue than the original WaveOne Primary (M-Wire) with a reduced screwing-in effect vs standard rotary systems (internal laboratory testing; ROW brochure)
- Manufacturer reports the Gold Glider is more flexible (lower bending resistance) with better cyclic fatigue resistance than PathFile ISO 016 (internal laboratory testing)
- Novice-operator study (per the manufacturer's Scientific Manual synopsis): non-experts fractured no WaveOne Gold Gliders (vs 3 ProGliders) and fewer WaveOne Gold shapers than ProTaper Next files (2 vs 4), with shorter preparation times — a forgiving profile for less-experienced operators
- Independent ex-vivo micro-CT: shaping and canal-anatomy preservation comparable to TruNatomy and ProTaper Ultimate, with no significant transportation/centering differences (PMID 41685849); equal shaping vs Reciproc R25 and S1 Plus in single- and double-curved canals (Haupt 2020, per Scientific Manual synopsis)
- Clinical pain evidence is mixed: an RCT found less short-term postoperative pain with WaveOne Gold than XP-endo Shaper, both in the mild range (Xavier 2021, PMID 34171356 — per Scientific Manual synopsis), while a 2025 meta-analysis of 6 RCTs reported lower 6-24h pain with XP-endo Shaper vs comparators including WaveOne Gold, converging beyond 48h (PMID 39793924, abstract)
- An RCT reported that kinematics alone (reciprocation vs continuous rotation) did not affect bacterial reduction, postoperative pain, or flare-ups (Saber 2022, PMID 35100456, abstract); Saha 2018 reported lower pain vs ProTaper Next but higher vs the Self-Adjusting File (per Scientific Manual synopsis)
- Glide-path RCT: less postoperative pain at 12-18 hours with the WaveOne Gold Glider than with ProGlider in necrotic molars (Danaci 2024, PMID 37924939, abstract)
- Balancing finding: in a 3D-printed-molar retreatment model, WaveOne Gold removed less apical/isthmus filling material than Reciproc and XP-endo Shaper (PMID 42207399, abstract)
- Bench reuse study: after three simulated uses both WaveOne Gold and R-Motion retained cyclic fatigue resistance (R-Motion higher; PMID 41064778) — WaveOne Gold remains single-use per IFU regardless
- Launched 2015 (Glider 2017); the manufacturer's 2023 Scientific Manual counts 200+ peer-reviewed papers on the system — among the most-studied reciprocating systems

## Warnings

- MUST use designated drive system with approved WaveOne/WaveOne Gold settings — never continuous rotation (per IFU)
- Single use only — do not reprocess or reuse; reuse increases risk of cross-contamination and breakage (per IFU)
- Contains nickel — do not use on patients with known nickel allergy (per 2019 IFU)
- Do not fully immerse in sodium hypochlorite — only working part in max 5% NaOCl concentration (per 2025 IFU)
- Do not use in root canals with abrupt apical curvature — heightened risk of separation; use pre-curved hand files instead (per IFU)
- Inspect for deformation (bent, unwound), breakage, corrosion, damaged cutting edges before each use — discard if defective
- For extremely curved canals: use a new file per canal (single canal use) to reduce breakage risk (per 2025 IFU)

## Best for

- single-file efficiency
- routine cases
- reduced cross-contamination

## Technical profile

- **Category:** single-file-reciprocating
- **Heat treatment:** Gold Heat-Treated — Standard NiTi wire with proprietary post-machining Gold heat treatment — increased cyclic fatigue resistance vs conventional NiTi; gold-colored appearance from oxide layer formed during heat treatment (per Scientific Manual)
- **Manufacturing method:** ground
- **Pre-bendable:** yes
- **Reuse:** Single-use
- **Motor:** specific-motor — Designated drive system with approved WaveOne / WaveOne Gold settings (e.g., X-Smart Pro+)
- **Reciprocation angles:** 150° CCW / 30° CW
- **Glide path requirement:** mechanical-recommended — 1) Verify glide path to WL with #10 hand file in viscous chelator. 2) Expand to at least 0.15mm (#15) using manual file or PathFile/ProGlider/WaveOne Gold Glider. 3) Then initiate shaping with PRIMARY.
- **Canal suitability:** Curvature: mild, moderate; Canal size: narrow, normal, wide; Calcified canals: no; Retreatment: no; Conservative access: no
- **Matching gutta-percha:** WaveOne Gold Conform Fit Gutta-Percha Points (Small, Primary, Medium, Large)
- **Matching paper points:** WaveOne Gold Absorbent Points (Small, Primary, Medium, Large)
- **Content revision:** 2026-08-11

## FAQ

**What alloy is WaveOne Gold made from?**

WaveOne Gold® is manufactured from NiTi with proprietary Gold heat treatment.

**How many files are in the WaveOne Gold sequence?**

The WaveOne Gold® system includes 5 files: Glider, Small, Primary, Medium, Large.

**What is the WaveOne Gold file sequence?**

WaveOne Gold® offers these files: Glider, Small, Primary, Medium, Large. One shaping file is selected per canal according to the DFU; the protocol section above shows the starting file.

**What motion type does WaveOne Gold use?**

WaveOne Gold® uses reciprocating motion.

**What cases is WaveOne Gold best for?**

WaveOne Gold® is best suited for: single-file efficiency, routine cases, reduced cross-contamination.

**What speed and torque settings are recommended for WaveOne Gold?**

WaveOne Gold® uses reciprocating motion with manufacturer-specific motor settings (refer to official DFU for exact parameters).

## References

- [Manufacturer instructions for use (DFU/IFU)](https://www.dentsplysirona.com/services/asset/download?path=/content/dam/master/product-procedure-brand-categories/endodontics/product-categories/full-solutions/waveone-gold-solution/ifu/END-IFU-WAVEONE-GOLD-SINGLE-USE-STERILE-V03-WEB-EUR-Multilingual-2026-02.pdf)
- [PubMed 37924939](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37924939/)
- [PubMed 28503479](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28503479/)
- [PubMed 29225643](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29225643/)
- [PubMed 31857861](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31857861/)
- [PubMed 32566901](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32566901/)
- [PubMed 34171356](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34171356/)
- [PubMed 35100456](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35100456/)
- [PubMed 39639344](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39639344/)
- [PubMed 39793924](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39793924/)
- [PubMed 40849465](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40849465/)
- [PubMed 41064778](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41064778/)
- [PubMed 41685849](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41685849/)
- [PubMed 41887503](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41887503/)
- [PubMed 42207399](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42207399/)
- [PubMed 42405218](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42405218/)

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_Educational reference for dental professionals. Always confirm settings against the official manufacturer instructions for use before clinical procedures._